A photo call at Swindon Station took place today, where representatives of the project team marked the start on site of this major regeneration scheme. Those attending included:
Councillor Garry Perkins, Swindon Borough Council
Ian Piper, CEO, Forward Swindon
Amanda Hoyland, Route Enhancement Manager, Network Rail
Damian Poulter, Civil Engineering Manager, and Graham Pickersgill, Site Agent, Britannia Construction
Lynne Edginton, Station Manager First Great Western
Background to the scheme: The station forecourt is starting a 9 month programme of major improvements. Only one hour from London and 45 minutes from Bristol by train, Swindon benefits from an important strategic location, but the station does not yet reflect this. Works have just started on site to rectify this by upgrading the forecourt area. The new look station forecourt will mean priority for pedestrians, safely separating them from the traffic. There will be new drop-off areas, a clearly defined taxi rank with 15 taxi spaces and a new bus lane and shelter. The whole area will be made more attractive with granite paving, tree planting, better signage, lighting and seating. One of the key issues faced by those arriving in Swindon via train, is how to reach the town centre by foot. Apart from new signage, the design will bring the same granite surfaces on the forecourt over the pedestrian crossing opposite and into Wellington Street, to clearly indicate the route into the centre of town.
Ian Piper of Forward Swindon, the Council’s regeneration company says: “We are delighted to be driving this project for the benefit of Swindon. The result will be an impressive entry point into Swindon for business visitors and residents. More than half the cost has come from central Government, nearly £1 million, and it is provided for much-needed regeneration of this nature”. Forward Swindon have pulled together funding for the scheme and will be overseeing delivery. The total project value is £1.85m. The remainder of the cost is met through Swindon Borough Council and Network Rail.
Damian Poulter of Britannia Construction says: “Being involved in this key regeneration project for Swindon is exciting for Britannia. Over the next nine months of construction we will be working to ensure minimum disruption and to keep station users, local businesses and stakeholders well informed of progress and access routes in and around the station."
Patrick Hallgate, route managing director for Network Rail said: "As well as providing a safe, punctual and reliable train service we must give passengers a better journey experience. The recent upgrade in the station by Network Rail and the plans ahead for the station forecourt will make a big difference for the community and businesses that rely on the railway for thousands of journeys every day.”
ENDS
06/09/2011